Dubai prepares for ATM 2026 as world tourism leaders gather to shape Travel 2040 vision
Conference agenda to cover technology, sustainability and industry evolution
DUBAI – The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will bring the global travel and tourism industry together in Dubai to explore the future of the sector, with a strong focus on resilience, innovation, technology and long-term growth.
The event will take place from 14th to 17th September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together exhibitors, buyers, policymakers, tourism authorities, researchers and industry leaders from around the world.
The upcoming edition will highlight Dubai’s position as a globally connected destination and a key meeting point for the international tourism community, as the sector continues adapting to changing market conditions. ATM 2026 will provide a platform for discussions around business continuity, destination preparedness, traveller confidence and the evolving opportunities shaping the global travel ecosystem.
The revised dates for the event reflect a collaborative approach designed to provide greater flexibility for participants while creating stronger opportunities for networking, partnerships and business engagement across the travel industry.
Travel 2040
Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 will examine how the tourism sector can prepare for future challenges while embracing emerging technologies and new models of travel.
The event’s conference programme will explore key areas including crisis management, destination resilience, aviation continuity, digital transformation, sustainability and strategies for long-term tourism development. Sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub will bring together government representatives, tourism experts, technology leaders and industry decision-makers to discuss how destinations can improve adaptability and strengthen their ability to respond to global disruptions.
Research-driven discussions will also provide insights into changing traveller behaviour, global mobility patterns, destination competitiveness and future demand. Industry research partners including STR, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, GSIQ and ICCA will contribute strategic analysis to support discussions around the direction of international tourism.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE at RX Global, said ATM’s role as a platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue remains a priority as collaboration becomes increasingly important across the sector.
She highlighted that supported by Dubai’s infrastructure, operational capabilities and strong coordination between public and private sectors, ATM 2026 will continue bringing the global tourism community together while supporting future industry growth.
Dubai tourism
Dubai’s tourism ecosystem will remain central to ATM 2026, with the emirate continuing to demonstrate operational strength through its aviation, hospitality and events sectors.
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said Dubai’s approach has been shaped by long-term planning, agility and collaboration between government entities and industry stakeholders.
She noted that Dubai has remained open, operational and welcoming during recent regional developments, reinforcing confidence among travellers, businesses and international partners. The city continues to provide a platform for major global events and meetings across important sectors, including tourism.
Dubai’s connectivity has also remained a key factor in supporting tourism confidence. Air traffic operations in the UAE fully resumed on 2 May, while Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait also reopened their airspace. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 13 destinations across seven countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. Etihad Airways, flydubai and Qatar Airways are also continuing to restore their schedules.
International confidence has further strengthened following updated travel guidance from several countries. The UK government lifted its travel warning for the UAE, while Australia adjusted its travel advice for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, reflecting improved regional conditions and supporting future travel planning.
GCC hospitality market
The resilience of the wider GCC hospitality market will also be a key discussion point at ATM 2026. Research from STR, the event’s official research partner, shows hotel occupancy levels across major GCC markets have continued recovering steadily, supported by domestic demand and the ongoing operation of essential tourism infrastructure.
Dubai has maintained stable hospitality performance during this period, supported by its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure and coordinated approach across government and private sector stakeholders.
ATM 2026 will examine how destinations with strong connectivity, established tourism networks and proactive planning can continue strengthening their position as international travel demand evolves.
Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager - Travel at Euromonitor International, will deliver a keynote session titled “The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality.”
Ahead of the event, Dutton said travel spending reached record levels in 2025, surpassing GDP growth in many markets and demonstrating continued consumer demand for international experiences. He noted that travel has increasingly become a priority for consumers despite economic and geopolitical pressures, with travellers continuing to seek meaningful experiences around the world.
Arabian Travel Market 2026
ATM 2026 will continue serving as a meeting point for the global travel community, connecting tourism organisations, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies and destination representatives.
The event will focus on how innovation and collaboration can support the next phase of tourism development, with discussions covering digital solutions, evolving traveller expectations, sustainability and the role of technology in shaping future journeys.
Through its conference programme and industry engagement platforms, ATM 2026 will bring together global voices to explore how the travel sector can strengthen resilience, improve preparedness and create new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.